I know our family is in good hands for generations to come

Darren Cruzan

Cruzan Family | Huddleston VA

Fatherhood, for me, has always been about resilience, responsibility, and showing up. My biological father left when I was three, leaving my mom to raise three kids on her own while working as a secretary. We didn’t have much, but she made sure we never felt like we were lacking—especially on birthdays and Christmas. She had a way of making things special, no matter how tight money was.

Without a father in the house, my older brother and future brother-in-law stepped in to fill the gap. They taught me discipline, hard work, and integrity, sometimes without even realizing it. And church? That wasn’t optional. It was a foundational part of our lives, shaping my values and giving me a sense of direction. Looking back, I realize now that fatherhood isn’t just about biology—it’s about presence, sacrifice, and leading by example.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a father is learning that each of my children requires a different kind of parenting. Even though they grew up in the same home, under the same rules, and with the same values, their personalities and emotional needs couldn’t be more different. My oldest is fiercely independent and quick to move on from conflict, while my youngest is more sensitive and needs time to process things.

Early on, I made the mistake of trying to parent them the same way. I thought if I was fair and consistent, that would be enough. It wasn’t. I had to learn to adjust my approach, to meet them where they were instead of where I expected them to be. And honestly? I’m still working on that—except now, they’re both married with families of their own. I have a feeling this lesson will follow me into my role as “Pops.”

Going through the Dad Academy workshop was an incredible experience—not just for me, but for my two sons-in-law, who went through it with me. I’ve said many times that these two young men are more prepared for marriage and fatherhood than I ever was—maybe even more than I am now. If my wife and I had been given the chance to design the perfect husbands for our daughters, we couldn’t have done any better.

The best part of Dad Academy, at this stage in my life, was watching them grow through it. Seeing their perspectives evolve, their commitment to being great husbands and fathers solidify—it gave me a deep sense of peace. I know our family is in good hands, or rather, in God’s hands, for generations to come.